Last night we had yet another casualty from the Torrey Canyon. We first received the call on Sunday but unable to get to contain the bird until last night the poor Great Crested Grebe has had to endure several nights covered in oil.
Yesterday Animal Collection Officer Geoff George managed to catch Adele as we’ve now named her and she will receive a number of bathes and hopefully some luck to survive before we can look to release her.
These birds are winter visitors to Guernsey and can be found in small numbers around our coast this time of year.
Geoff George ACO said ‘It’s such a shame she is covered in oil, thankfully we have helped save this one and hoping she will survive but we just don’t know how much oil she has swallowed.’
If you find an oiled bird alive, do not attempt to clean it yourself. It is a very specialised job and you may well do more harm than good.
Carefully place the bird in a well-ventilated cardboard box, keep it warm and call the GSPCA on 01481 257261 or bring it along to the Animal Shelter as soon as possible.
Oil is particularly toxic to the bird if it ingests any of it, which easily happens when it is trying to preen off the oil. Because of this, oiled birds should be taken to the Shelter where we have the appropriate cleaning stations as this is a matter of urgency.
The cleaning station we have where we wash the birds covered in oil is adapted specially to stop 99.9% of hydrocarbons so that the oil doesn’t get back into the water courses of Guernsey and we are very grateful to Burdens who kindly donated this device.
When large numbers of birds, dead or alive, are coming ashore, please call the GSPCA straight away.
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager said ‘We are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and if ever you find a sick or injured animal please call us as soon as possible on 01481 257261, call in to the Animal Shelter or get it to your nearest vet.’
We are currently appealing for donations to purchase additional heat pads for our sick and injured animals. Each pad costs £30 each helps save lives please get in touch if you would like to help. We are also trying to purchase additional rescue equipment and any donations would help towards purchasing this much need equipment.
If you would like to donate online to help cats like Deacon you can do so by going to our fundraising page -
If you would like to become a member or donate monthly please -
To find out how to knit a mouse for a homeless cat -
To find out details about Cupcake Week 25th - 31st March please
You can register your business, school or organise one with family and friends by contacting the Shelter or popping in for a Cupcake pack.
Telephone - 01481 257261
Email - [email protected]
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